Remote control code filtering used for relaying of remote control codes

Abstract

Remote control code filtering techniques are disclosed that are suitable for use in a remote control code relaying system. A portion of a received remote control code is compared with corresponding portions of stored remote control codes. The received remote control code can be filtered based on the comparison. The filtering can comprise outputting the received remote control code or a portion thereof, discarding the received remote control code, or adding a new remote control code to the stored remote control codes. The remote control code can be received from a network or from a hardware interface (e.g., which converts an electromagnetic remote control signal to the remote control code). The received remote control code can be output to a network or to a hardware interface for subsequent transmission of an electromagnetic remote control signal. Filtering can occur before or after the network.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to remote controls, and, more particularly, to relaying of remote control codes from one location to another.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Remote controls have become invaluable tools for controlling devices. Remote controls use ElectroMagnetic (EM) signals, such as Radio Frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) signals, to represent and communicate remote control codes from the remote control to a device. In typical remote controls, buttons are assigned function codes. When a button is pressed, an infrared (IR) remote control, for example, uses the function code when determining a corresponding remote control code and creates an IR signal corresponding to the remote control code.[0003]The IR signal is generated at a particular carrier frequency and generally comprises a header, a device code, the function code corresponding to the button, and a trailer. The header is used to alert a device that a remote control signal is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The filtering system effectively reduces or eliminates inadvertent operations by ensuring only intended remote control codes are transmitted to the correct devices, enhancing the reliability of remote control systems.

Problems solved by technology

Although remote controls and systems using the same are robust and beneficial, a number of significant problems remain.

This is particularly true when the remote control and device use RF to communicate with each other, although systems using IR for communication also can be subject to such inadvertent operations.

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